Pairs card game

ABSTRACT

A card game in which players attempt to build the highest ranking two pairs of playing cards built in various rounds. Initially, one face down community card is dealt on the table, four face up public cards and one face down private card dealt to each player. Each player inspects his or her public cards to determine if there are two pairs of cards. The player with two pairs and having the highest ranking value may place a wager. If no player has two pairs, then one additional public card is dealt to each player until at least one player has two pairs of cards. Next, the community card is revealed to all players that may be combined with a player&#39;s public cards to make a second set of two pairs of cards. The player with the highest pair of cards in the second set may place a wager. Next, each remaining player may examine the private card and combine it with the community and public cards to make a third set of two pairs of cards. The player having at least two pairs and having the highest ranking value is declared the winner.

This utility patent application is based upon and claims the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application (Application No. 61/761,041) filed on Feb. 5, 2013.

Notice is given that the following patent document contains original material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile or digital download reproduction of all or part of the patent document, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to card games played with one or more decks of cards.

2. Description of the Related Art

Poker is based on both luck and skills. The skills involve keeping track of the cards played and not played, monitoring the public cards and private cards have been player, and watching the action of the other players to determine if they are bluffing. For novice players, understanding of the hierarchy of hands, mastering the above skills can be very challenging

Blackjack is primarily a game of luck that requires little skill other than monitoring which cards have been played and determine the odds or likelihood that a card needed to reach ‘21’ or a high value hand will be dealt. One drawback with Blackjack is it is only played against the dealer and not against other players. While some players prefer games such as Blackjack that rely primarily on luck against a dealer, others prefer more complicated games such as Poker that involve luck, skill and bluffing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The card game disclosed here is a game of chance that depends on the dealing cards to each player and a strategy in which a players must determine if that player's hand containing two pairs of cards of the same card ranking value that is higher than the pairs of cards in his or her opponent's hand or whether that player's hand has the statistical odds of obtaining a hand containing two pairs of cards of the same card ranking value that is higher than the pairs of cards in his or her opponent's hand. A ‘pair’ is defined as two cards of identical card ranking values (e.g. 2 Aces, 2 Queens, 2 Fours . . . )

The card game is made up of three rounds. During the first two rounds, the player holding or possessing the highest two pairs of cards is the winner of the round and allowed to place a wager or bet. The winner of the third round is declared the winner.

The card game can be played with at least one deck of cards containing a plurality of pair of cards that match contain some indica that matches—numbers, colors, suit, symbols, etc. In one embodiment, the game is played with at least one deck of 52 standard playing cards, and can be played between two or more players each attempting to hold the highest pair hierarchy of cards of the same card ranking value.

The game begins by designating a dealer and shuffling the deck of cards. The dealer may or may not be a player in the game. One card, called the ‘community card’ is dealt face down preferably in the center of the table. The community card is not revealed to the dealer or players during the first round of the game. Each player is then dealt one face down card, called a ‘private card’, preferably sequentially. The private card is also not revealed during this round.

One or more, preferable four face up cards, called ‘public cards’ are then dealt to each player, preferably sequentially. Because the public cards are visible to all players, the player with two pairs of cards and their respective ranking values may be determined by all players. The player with the highest two pairs of cards from the public cards may place a wager. In the event more than one player has two pairs of cards from the public cards, then the player with the pair of cards having the highest card ranking value may place the wager. In the event, the player holding two pairs and the pair with the highest card ranking value elects not to place a wager, then player with the set of four cards with the next highest card ranking may place a wager. The hierarchy value for betting first is the player with two pairs and with the highest value, followed by a single pair with the pair with the highest value, followed by no pairs but the highest card ranking value. In the event, player have a pair of cards with the identical card ranking values, when other tie breaking. (add opportunity to bet after each individual card is dealt).

In the event, one player does not have two pairs of cards from the public cards, one or more additional public cards are dealt to each player, preferably sequentially. After each dealing of the additional public cards, the player holding the highest ranking cards may place a wager or bet. When a player has two pairs of cards, no more public cards are dealt. When all wagers or bets have been placed, the first round of the game is now considered completed and the second round is commenced.

During the second round, either the community card or the private card is revealed depending on the version of the game being played. If the version of the game being played requires the community card to be played, then the community card is now revealed to all of the players remaining after the first round. Each player may then uses the community card along with three public cards from his pile of public cards to create a second set of four cards containing at least two pairs of cards. The player creating the second set of pairs with the highest card ranking is entitled to place a wager or bet. Similar to the first round, in the event more than one player has two pairs of cards from the public cards, then the player with the pair of cards having the highest card ranking value may place the wager. In the event, the player holding two pairs and the pair with the highest card ranking value elects not to place a wager, then player with the set of four cards with the next highest card ranking may place a wager. When the wagering and betting have been completed and players have either matched, raised or withdrawn, the second round is then completed and the third round is commenced.

In the third round, each player is then allowed to review the remaining face down card which has not been played. Since the version described above required playing the community card, in the third round each player may then use the private card, the community card and the public cards to make a third set of four cards making two pairs of cards with the highest card ranking value. Because the private card is hidden, the player of the second round is entitled to place the initial wager or bet. If the private is used, then it must be revealed. The other players may either match, fold, or raise. Wagering and betting continues between the remaining players until the final wager or bet has been placed and matched by all players. The player holding a third set of four cards having the highest card value and at least two pairs is declared the winner.

It should also be understood that the temporal sequence of when the community card, the private card and public cards are dealt in the course of the game may vary. Also, in the above description of the game, the first round occurs, followed by the second round, which is followed by the third round. It should be understood, that the order of the third and second rounds can be reversed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a game table showing a dealer and four player positions assigned to a dealer and a player, respectively, with one community card dealt face down on the center area on the table and one private card dealt face down and four public cards dealt face up to each player position.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing the one community card shown face down on the table and one private card shown face down, four public cards dealt face up and two additional public cards dealt face up to the four players.

FIG. 3 is an illustration similar to FIG. 2 that shows the community card and the private cards dealt to each player revealed.

FIG. 4 is an illustration in which the dealer or House player is dealt a house card 80, that is revealed and shows the community and private cards also revealed, and shows the house card matching the community card.

FIG. 5 is an illustration in which the dealer or House player is dealt a house card 80, that is revealed and shows the community and private cards also revealed, and shows the house card matching and a private card.

FIG. 6 is an illustration similar to FIG. 5 in which a passive player is added who is dealt a private card that is revealed during the game.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a die with six planar surfaces that is used to control wagering or bidding.

FIG. 7 B is a top plan view of a spinning dial with 0-3 sections that is also used to control wagering and bidding.

FIGS. 8A-8E show five different types of alternative decks that may be used in the game.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

There is shown a card game of chance and moderate skill that depends on the dealing of cards to each player and a strategy in which the players must determine when a hand containing two pairs of cards with a pair being two cards of the same card value, is higher than the pairs of cards in his or her opponent's hand. The card game can be played with at least one deck 8 of 52 standard playing cards, between two or more players in which each player strives to hold both two pairs and strives to hold the pair/s with the highest card pair value/s hierarchy. The player holding both two pairs and also holding the highest Pairs value hierarchy wins the round. If two or more players have identical two pairs of cards with the same card value, then a draw is declared and the pot is split.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a game table 10 with four player positions 12, 14, 16, and 18 each assigned to player, A, B, C, D, respectively. An optional dealer H is shown at the head of the table 10 who deals the card from a deck of cards 8. The dealer H may be dealer only, or a player. A community card 20 is dealt face down on the table 10. Each player position 12, 14, 16, and 18 is dealt at least two to five cards total—one face down private card 30, and one to four face up public cards 40. During the various rounds of play described herein, a pot 100 is created on the table 10 in which money or betting markets 102 are placed.

The object of the game is to create a final set of four cards containing at least two pairs and the highest card ranking value.

The card game can be played with at least one deck of cards 8 containing a plurality of pair of cards that match some indica that matches—numbers, colors, suit, symbols, etc. In one embodiment, the deck of cards 8 is a standard playing cards, divided into four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades) and with individual card rankings from low to high in the order of; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.

The game begins by the designated dealer H and shuffling the deck of cards 8. The dealer H may or may not be a player in the game. One card, called the community card 20 is dealt face down preferably in the center of the table 10. The community card 20 is not revealed to the dealer or players during the first round of the game. Each player position 12, 14, 16, and 18 is then dealt at least one face down card, called a private card 30, preferably sequentially. The private card 30 is also not revealed during this round.

One or more, preferable four, face up cards, called public cards 40 are then dealt to each player position 12, 14, 16, and 18, preferably sequentially. Because all of the public cards 30 are visible to all players A, B, C, and D assigned to the player positions 12, 14, 16, and 18 respectively.

The player A, B, C or D with highest ranking public cards 40 may place a wager. In the event, the player holding highest card ranking value elects not to place a wager, alternative rules may be used to determine who may place a wager. The hierarchy value for betting first is the player with two pairs and with the highest value pair, followed by a single pair with the pair with the highest value, followed by no pairs but the highest card ranking value. In the event, players have a set of cards with the identical card ranking values, when other tie breaking rules may be used.

In the event, one player does not have two pairs of cards from the public cards 40, one or more additional public cards 50 are dealt to each player, preferably sequentially. When at least one player has two pairs, no more public cards are dealt to the players. Players are then given an opportunity to place a wager or bet after each dealing and by the player with two pairs. During the wagering step, other players may fold, match or increase each bet. The first round of the game is now considered completed and the second round is commenced.

During the second round, the private card 30 is now revealed only to the player holding the card. It is not revealed to the other players at this time. Each player may then use the four public cards 40 or the private card 30 along with three public cards 40 dealt to him or her to create a second set of four cards containing at least two pairs of cards. The player with the highest value cards from the first round is entitled to place the first wager or bet. Similar to the first round, in the event more than one player has two pairs of cards from the public cards 30, then the player with the pair of cards having the highest card ranking value may place the wager. In the event, the player holding two pairs and the pair with the highest card ranking value elects not to place a wager, then a predetermine way to select the next player to place a wager or bet may be used. The second round is then completed and the third round is commenced.

In the third round, the community card 20 is revealed to all of the players, A, B, C, and D. Each player A, B, C, and D may then uses the community card 20, the private card 30, and the public cards 40 to make a third set of four cards with the highest card ranking value and contains at least two pairs. The player with the highest pair of cards made from the community card 20 and the public cards 40, is entitled to place the initial wager or bet. The other players may either match, fold, or raised. Wagering and betting continues between the remaining player until the final wager or bet has been placed and matched by all players. The player holding a third set of four cards using the community card 20, their private card 30, and their public cards 40 having two pairs with the highest card value (the highest card value pair) and at least two pairs is declared the winner. All cards are revealed at the end of the game.

During the second round, either the community card 20 or the private card 30 is revealed and used at different times depending on the version of the game being played. If the version of the game being played requires the community card 20 to be played, then the community card 20 is now revealed to all of the players A, B, C, and D remaining after the first round. Each player A, B, C, and D may then use the community card 20 along with three public cards 40 from his pile of public cards 40 to create a second set of four cards having the highest ranking value. The player showing cards with the highest ranking value is entitled to place a wager or bet.

In FIG. 2 is an illustration showing one face down community card 20 dealt on the table 10 showing one face down private card 30, and four face up of public cards 40, and two additional public cards 50 dealt to each player position 12, 14, 16, 18 and assigned to players A, B, C, and D, respectively, before the community card 20 and private cards 30 are revealed. The denominations or card value of the community card 20 and the private cards 30 are indicated by the broken lines.

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the community card 20 and all the private cards 30 dealt to each player A, B, C, and D in FIG. 2 above being revealed and showing the player B winning the round by assembling two pairs of cards (Aces made up of the community card 20 and private card 30) and two matching public cards (two 9's). Player A also has two pairs of card (Twos and Fives) but does not win because player B has two pairs with one pair having higher card ranking value (i.e a pair Aces have a higher card raking value that a pair of 5). Player C has no pairs and therefore can not win and player D has only one pair of Aces 24 (but does not have a second pair and does not qualify to win) equal to the highest pair 18 on the table (player B).

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternative version of the game in which a passive house player is dealt a face down house card, indicated by the reference number 80. As shown in FIG. 3, after all of the private cards 30 are revealed, player B appears initially to be the winning player of the round with two pairs with the highest pair being a pair of Aces. When the House Player reveals the house card 5, that card matches the community card 20 and is equal to the highest pair 18, (ie. Aces) on the table, and makes the house player H winner and entitled to a predetermined portion or the entire pot 100.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative version of the game in which the house card card 80 matches a private card 30 and is equal to the highest pair of cards. The House has a pair of cards higher than any pair of cards holding two pairs 18 (see player A). The house player H wins all or a predetermined portion of the entire pot 100.

FIG. 6 is an illustration also showing the house player being a passive player and there are four active players A 1, B 2, C 3, and D 4. This enables onlookers of the game to play. In this embodiment, there is an additional Player E 6, who is a passive player, who plays by the same rules as the House. In this embodiment, the House (H) player 5 and the Player B 2 are the winners and split win the entire pot or a predetermined portion of the pot. Players A, C, D and E are losers.

FIGS. 7A and 7B, are illustrations showing using a special die 30 and a spinner wheel 32. And specialized cards 34 that can be dealt or pulled out of a holder or receptacle (not shown).

As stated above, in one embodiment, the game is played with one standard deck containing 52 playing cards that make 26 pairs. It should be understood, that the game may be played with other types of decks which contain a plurality cards that match via colors, numbers, suit or symbols. It should also be understood that more than one deck of cards may be used which normally depends on the number of players participating as shown in FIG. 8A-8E showing five different types of decks 170, 172, 174, 176, and 178 used in the game and can include decks designated by colors 171, patterns 173, symbols 175, variable number of ranked cards 177, or cards with more than one of these designations 179.

A ‘round of card play’ can be defined as but is not restricted to the ante, delivering one or more than one card to a player or players, ‘turning-over’ or looking at a card that is a card that is/was face down and previously unseen, or the final round or any round or rounds of betting.

Betting can Occur with any Round of Card Play:

The winning player must have two sets of pairs. It should be understood a pair is defined as two cards of the same type or number (e.g. 2 Aces, 2 Queens, 2 Threes). The highest pair of cards wins. If two or more players have the same high pairs of cards, then the player with the next highest pair wins the game. If two or more players have identical two pairs of cards, then a draw may be declared or both players are declared the winner and split the pot.

In summary, the game in the preferred embodiment is played in the following steps:

First, at least one card is dealt face down on the table 10. This is a community card 20 and is not revealed until the end of the game.

Second, at least one card, called the private card 30 is dealt face down to each player which is not revealed to the player until the subsequent round. This private card 30 is not initially inspected or visualized by the player to whom it is dealt. Later in the game, the player to whom the private card 30 is dealt will visualize their personal down card. The others players in the game do not get to visualize another players private card 30 during the active betting component of the game and only get to visualize another players personal card after all betting has concluded and when the winning hand is determined and revealed.

Third, four public cards 40 are dealt face up and sequentially to each player. Each public card 40 is dealt face up and visible to all players.

After dealing the community card 20 to the table and one private card 30 and four public card 40 to each player, a wagering or bidding is instigated. The player with the highest pair or highest pairs, bets first. If no player has a pair then the player with the highest card bets first.

If two pairs are not shown in the public cards 40, one or more pre-determined secondary public card 50 are dealt face-up to each player and another round of betting can occur. Additional secondary public cards 50 are dealt to each player until one player has two pairs. Wagering and betting may take place after each dealing. Once two pairs are showing face up, no more cards are dealt. A round of betting takes place similar to all card dealing/betting rounds.

Next, each player may review his or her private card 30. The private card 30 is not not revealed to the other players. A round of betting ensues after each player gets to visualize his or her personal down card.

Next, the community card 20 is revealed.

Next, a final round of betting can occurs.

Finally, a winner is then declared after all cards are revealed. The player who has two pairs and also contains the with the highest pair value is declared the winner.

Alternative Rules

1. Two or more decks of cards may be used;

2. Special or Non-Standard Deck of Cards may be used:

3. Use of cards that contain more or less number of cards of a number or picture or suit than the standard cards and one suit per card denomination. The standard deck include four Aces with one Ace of each of the four suits. One variation can include but is not restricted to four Aces and creating a new suit other than Clubs, Hearts, Spades and Diamonds. In another variation, the suits can be eliminated;

4. Use of different odds by including more or less numbers of cards of a number or picture or suit than the standard four cards and one suit per card denomination. An example can include but is not restricted to having a multiple of four cards of each picture card and the Ace; having a multiple of five cards of the denominations of card numbering between six and ten; having a multiple of six cards between two and five. In this scenario it is more likely that a player will achieve a pair with a lower denomination;

5. Using a multiple of six cards of each picture card and the Ace; having a multiple of five cards of the denominations of card numbering between six and ten; having a multiple of four cards between two and five. In this scenario it is more likely that a player will achieve a pair with a higher denomination and other variations on the multiple of cards. for values and/or suits;

6. Use of variable number of cards of a denomination or suit in the deck;

7. Eliminating or adding suits or card denominations and this can include but is not restricted to eliminating or adding one or more suits or picture cards or number cards. In other variations colors or suits can be used in determining the pair hierarchy value;

8. Elimination of suit differences such that the cards contain the same or no suit and comprise only number and picture cards. In one embodiment one or more new suits can be created. In one embodiment the new suit can include but is not restricted to a different symbol for the deck suits such as a circle or square or a symbol for earth, fire, ice, water, wind;

9. Color of Cards restriction in which the colors of the cards can be eliminated. In another embodiment new colors can replace or be added to the standard black and red colors. One embodiment can include but is not restricted to having one or more cards demarcated as high or low value cards and can include but is not restricted to having cards from 2 through Ace to be marked with gold to designate that a pair that contains a gold-marked card can have more value and win over standard pair without a gold marked card;

10. Modified card values in which the cards in the deck comprise only numbers and the numbers without restriction to the numbers. In a preferred variation the numbers can include but are not restricted to be between 1 and 8 or between 1 and 20;

11. Using alternative playing cards in which the graphic card elements include numbers, symbols, pictures, and colors objects.

Additional Descriptions and Variations

The Deck:

The preferred embodiment is the description initially described below. In the preferred embodiment one standard 52 card deck is used.

A Round of Card Play:

A round is a series of plays by the players in which a series of rules are followed to determine the player who controls wagering or bidding. In this instance, the player with the highest ranking value of cards controls wagering or bidding for a round.

Betting:

Betting can occur with a new round of card play or a new round of betting.

Winning:

The winning player must have two sets of pairs. In this preferred embodiment pairs are two cards of the same type or number (e.g. 2 Aces, 2 Queens, 2 Threes). The highest pair wins. If two or more players have equally matching high pairs then the player with the next highest pair wins the game. If two or more players have identical pairs then winners can but are not restricted to share or split the pot.

Steps and Variations Related to the Steps to Play the Game of PAIRS:

Step A:

Deal one card face down. This is a community card 20 not revealed until the second round or third round of the game.

Step B:

Deal one card face down to each player. This private card 30 is not initially inspected or visualized by the player to whom it is dealt. Later in the game, the player to whom the private card 30 is dealt may see the private card 30. The other players in the game do not get to visualize another players personal card at any time during the active betting component of the game and only get to visualize another players personal card after all betting has concluded and when the winning hand is determined and revealed.

Step C:

Deal one or more, preferrably four, public cards 40 to each player, which are dealt sequentially to each player (e.g. Player one gets a face up card. The next card is dealt to player until all players have been dealt one face up card.) This pattern is repeated until all four public cards 40 are dealt face up and each player has four public cards 40 showing. Each public card 40 is visible to all players.

Step D:

After the first four public cards 40 are dealt face up a round of betting occurs. After each round betting can occur. The player with the highest pair or highest pairs, bets first. If no player has a pair then the player with the highest card bets first.

Step E:

After the first four cards are dealt face up and a round of betting has occurred, if there secondary public card 50 deal, another round of betting can occur.

Step F:

Rounds of cards are dealt face up public card 50 and rounds of betting occur with each round of card dealing such as in Step E, until one player has 2 pairs showing face up.

Once 2 pairs are showing face up no more public cards 50 are dealt. A round of betting takes place similar to all card dealing rounds.

Step G:

In the next round, each player gets to visualize his or her own private card 30. The private card 30 is not revealed to the other players. A round of betting ensues after each player gets to visualize his or her private card 30.

Step H:

In some versions of the game, the community card 20 may be revealed after two pairs of cards have assembled from the public cards 40. In other versions of the game, the community card 20 is revealed after the private card 30 has been reviewed privately by each player.

Step I:

A final round of betting can occurs.

Step J:

The winner is decided.

Variations

Variations can include but are not restricted to:

Some deck variations can include but are not restricted to using one or more standard decks. More than one deck can be used and will be important if four or more players are participating in the game to insure enough cards are available to insure that at least one player can achieve two pairs.

The number of decks can determine the optimal number of player. One example can include but is not restricted to the number of players that can play at a table and this can be limited by the number of decks that are being used at that table. Examples of this embodiment can include but is not restricted to if one deck is used only 4 players can play at that table; if 2 decks are used then 6 players can play at that table. More than one deck can be used with one or more players.

In another embodiment, the number of players can determine the optimal number of decks. One example can include but is not restricted to the number of decks that are used at a table and this can be determined by the number of players at that table. Examples of this embodiment can include but is not restricted to if 4 players are at the table the optimal number of decks may be one deck. If 6 players are at the table the optimal number of decks may be 2 decks.

In another variation, one or more than one deck can be used and if and when the cards run out the game will end. In another variation if the cards run out another deck can be added to the playing deck.

Non-Standard Deck of Cards:

The game can be played on a variation of the standard deck that can include but is not restricted to eliminating picture cards and having only number cards.

Another variation can include more or less number of cards of a number or picture or suit than the standard 4 cards and one suit per card denomination. The standard deck include 4 aces with one ace of each of the 4 suits. One variation can include but is not restricted to 4 aces and creating a new suit other than clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds.

In another variation suits can be eliminated.

Another embodiment can include but is not restricted to altering the odds of the game by including more or less numbers of cards of a number or picture or suit than the standard 4 cards and one suit per card denomination and example can include but is not restricted to having a multiple of 4 cards of each picture card and the Ace; having a multiple of 5 cards of the denominations of card numbering between 6 and 10; having a multiple of 6 cards between 2 and 5. In this scenario it is more likely that a player will achieve a pair with a lower denomination.

Another embodiment can include but is not restricted to having a multiple of 6 cards of each picture card and the Ace; having a multiple of 5 cards of the denominations of card numbering between 6 and 10; having a multiple of 4 cards between 2 and 5. In this scenario it is more likely that a player will achieve a pair with a higher denomination.

Other embodiments for altering the odds of the game can include but are not restricted to other variations on the number of cards of a denomination or suit in the deck.

In another embodiment the game can be played on a specialized deck with more or fewer than the standard cards or with new cards created. One embodiment can include but is not restricted to eliminating or adding suits or card denominations and this can include but is not restricted to eliminating or adding one or more suits or picture cards or number cards.

In one embodiment of the deck, all suit differences can be eliminated such that the cards contain the same or no suit and comprise only number and picture cards. In one embodiment one or more new suits can be created. In one embodiment the new suit can include but is not restricted to a different symbol for the deck suits such as a circle or square or a symbol for earth, fire, ice, water, wind. In another variation the color of the card can be including in determining the pair value hierarchy and can include but is not restricted to colors such as but not restricted to gold, silver, copper, blue and black and in which on example can include but is not restricted to a greater value is given to gold, followed by silver, then copper, then blue and then black.

In another embodiment the color of the cards can include the standard black and red of the standard 52 deck of cards. In another embodiment the colors of the cards can be eliminated. In another embodiment new colors can replace or be added to the standard black and red colors. One embodiment can include but is not restricted to having one or more cards demarcated as high or low value cards and can include but is not restricted to having cards from 2 through Ace to be marked with gold to designate that a pair that contains a gold-marked card can have more value and win over standard pair without a gold marked card.

In another embodiment of the deck, the cards consist of only numbers. In a preferred variation the numbers can include but are not restricted to be between 1 and 8 or between 1 and 20.

The game can be played with one deck

The game can be played with less than one deck

The game can be played with more than one deck

In other embodiments the deck can have variations on the standard deck elements of numbers, pictures, colors or suits.

In another variation, a non-standard deck can be created that can have some or none of the elements of a standard deck and can include newly created deck configurations that can include but are not restricted to eliminating the suites and replacing the black and red colors with no color or with two or more colors, numbers, symbols, or pictures.

In one or more of these embodiments the game can be directed to include but not restricted to be played by individuals under 21 years of age including but not restricted to children who can learn the skills of numbers and picture recognition and strategies by playing this game.

A Round of Card Play:

A round of card play can be defined as but is not restricted to include the inclusion or exclusion of one or more elements known as the ante, dealing or delivering one or more cards to each active player in the game, ‘turning-over’ a community or privacy card, reviewing the privacy cards and may also include one or more acts of wagering or betting.

Variations on Wagering or Betting:

The game may include the act of wagering or betting that can occur after each rounds or after designated rounds.

One or more rounds of wagering or betting may include the rolling of a single or a pair of dice. The numbers on the die can include sequential numbers or non-sequential numbers and the numbers can be non repetitive or repetitive. Another embodiment can include a die with the numbers 0, 1 or 2, and which can signify for 0 no betting on the round, 1 can represent the standard agreed limits and 2 can include doubling the standard limits on betting, In another embodiment there can be a cube with one 0 (zero), one 2 (two) and the remaining four sides are the number 1 (one). The role of the die or dice can occur on none, one or more than one round of card play. The purpose of the die can be to increase the risk or reward in any round of betting and can contribute to excitement and intrigue.

In another variation of the game, a method can be used to influence the pair hierarchy value and can include but is not restricted to a die with multiple colors and if that color is rolled it can determine what card pair is most valuable. Two players may each hold a pair of Aces and one player has a gold and black Ace while the other player has a silver and copper ace and the die rolls a copper color. The player holding the copper Ace wins.

Players can bid with less than 2 pairs.

Variations on Winning:

The winning player must have two sets of pairs (e.g two Aces and two Fours when using a standard deck of 52 playing cards). In this preferred embodiment, a pair is defined as two cards of the same card ranking (e.g. 2 Aces, 2 Queens, 2 Threes). The hand holding two sets of pairs with one pair having the highest card ranking is the winner. If two or more players have the same pair of highest card ranking, then the player with the second pair with the next highest card ranking is the winner. If two or more players have identical two sets of pairs then either no winner is declared, or the players share or split the pot, or an alternative tie breaker step is followed.

For example, the player with the next highest card after the 2 pairs can designate the winner. or the player with a tying pairs with a pair of cards from a predetermined highest suit or color Alternatively, the winner can be determined by the player with the highest card following the 2 pairs and if the non paired cards of two players are tied then the next highest card will determine the winner and this process will continue until a winner can be determined.

Or the player holding a third pair of cards may be declared the winner. If the 3 pairs are tied that process will continue such that the next highest card will determine the winner and this process will continue until a winner can be determined.

Another embodiment, the winner may be the player that has 2 pairs of high ranking cards that produce a higher number when added together. For example, if a player's hand contains a pair of 8's and 7's with another player hand contains a pair of 10's and 2's, the player hand containing a pair of 8's and 7's (equals 15) wins.

In another variation, a tie can be broken in other ways that can include but is not restricted to if the player holding in highest pair also has three or more of that card, this is for practical purposes, possible only is specialized or multiple decks are utilized or by a die or dice, a spinner, by digital methods, or drawing cards.

In other embodiments the same basic card structure can be used, but to win the player holding combinations other than 2 pairs can be the winner. Other combinations can include but are not restricted to three of a kind, two sets of three of a kind, three pairs, three of a kind and a pair, a straight, a flush or other predetermined combinations. The important objective is that the rules and the combination declared to win is preset and easily remembered and does not have numerous options but is easily remembered and simple. The combinations are mentioned to avoid a simple change and stating that is a different game such as but not restricted to making two sets of three of a kind being the winning combination.

A player can win with less than the predesignated winning hand which in the preferred embodiment is a player can win with less than 2 pairs, if all other players have dropped out of the game and the last player, standing/playing, is that player with less than the predesignated winning hand.

In another variation, the lowest pre-designated pair or the lowest combination pair can win or the lowest predesignated variation on a winning hand can be the winner.

In another variation on winning, each card can be given a value to include but not restricted to a numeric or symbolic value and the game can be played with a standard or specialized deck. In a preferred embodiment the value can be numeric and the deck can be a specialized deck where the cards have numeric values. The player with the highest combination of values of their two pairs is the winner, In one embodiment the total sum of the cards can be used to determine the winner. In this embodiment the player with the highest sum of their two pairs is the winner. An example of this embodiment is if Player A has a pair of 10's and 2's for a total sum of 12 and Player B has a pair of 7's and 6's for a total sum of 13 then Player B wins. Other variations can include other mathematical variations that include but are not restricted to multiplication, division and subtraction or any combination of these processes. Other variations can include combinations of colors or symbols demarcating predesignated combinations to win such as 2 pairs and can include other combinations with these predesignated combinations in combination with these symbols of colors or other designated markings to designate a hierarchy of winning that can be predetermined or can be determined by a designated method such as dice or cards and a computer or a spinner or betting wheel or roulette style wheel mechanism.

Variations on Steps to Play the Game of PAIRS:

Step A:

In the preferred embodiment one community card 20 is dealt face down.

In another embodiments one or more community cards 20 that can be dealt face down or face down or any combination.

In the preferred embodiment the community card or cards 20 are not revealed until the end of the active game. In another embodiment the community card 20 can be shown earlier than the last card. In another embodiment, the community card 20 can be shown to one or more than one player prior to being shown to all players.

In another embodiment there can be one or over one community cards 20 dealt or and one or over one community cards 20 revealed as the last card revealed or before or after the last card revealed by the players.

In another embodiment the community card 20 can be dealt in any order of the dealing.

In one embodiment the community card can be eliminated and no community card 20 is dealt but this creates a game that plays differently and may be considered a new or second game compared to the preferred embodiment and would be considered a variant on the game PAIRS.

Step B:

In the preferred embodiment, one private card is dealt face down to each player. This private card is not initially inspected or visualized by the player to whom it is dealt. Later in the game, the player to whom the private card is dealt will visualize their personal down card. The others players in the game do not get to visualize another players personal card during the active betting component of the game and only get to visualize another players private card after all betting has concluded and when the winning hand is determined and revealed.

In another embodiment, the personal down card can be one or over one down card.

In another embodiment the personal down card/cards can be revealed as the last or not last card/cards.

In another embodiment the personal down cards if over one card can be revealed at variable times that can be the last or not last card/cards and can be turned over in a variable order and at the same or different times.

In another embodiment the personal down cards if more than one card can be revealed at different times and can but do not have to be revealed all at once or all together. In another embodiment, the personal card can be viewed by one or more than one player prior to being viewed by other or all players.

In another embodiment additional personal down card/cards can be dealt as the last or not last card/cards.

In one embodiment the personal down card can be eliminated but this creates a game that plays differently and may be considered a new or second game compared to the preferred embodiment and would be considered a variant on the game PAIRS.

Step C:

In the preferred embodiment deal 4 face up cards to each player, the cards are dealt sequentially to each player (e.g. Player one gets a face up card. The next card is dealt to player 2 until all players have been dealt one face up card. This pattern is repeated until all 4 cards are dealt face up and each player has 4 face up cards showing. Each of these up cards is visible to all players.

In another embodiment more greater or less than 4 cards can be dealt up or showing.

In another embodiment a combination of up or showing and down or not showing cards can be dealt.

In another embodiment one or over one card can be dealt to a player in a card round.

Step D:

In the preferred embodiment after the first 4 cards are dealt face up a round of betting occurs. After each round betting can occur. The player with the highest pair or highest pairs bets first. If no player has a pair then the player with the highest card bets first.

In another embodiment betting can be variable and can occur or can not occur after each round or can occur in a variable manner to include but not restricted to every other round of card dealing.

In another embodiment the first player to bet can be determined by other methods other than the highest pair and can include but is not restricted to the player to the right of the dealer, to the player to the left of the dealer, or other by another hierarchical method such as the player with the worst or least good hand.

In another embodiment the player to bet can be chosen by other methods to include but not restricted to rolling dice or spinning an arrow, digital or chosen by betting in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner from the previous better.

Step E:

In the preferred embodiment after the first 4 cards are dealt face up and a round of betting has occurred, there is another card dealt face-up and another round of betting can occur.

In another embodiment, after the initial cards are dealt then one or over one additional card/s can be dealt in any round and these cards can be any combination of being dealt face-up or facedown.

In another embodiment one or over one card can be dealt after the initial or the subsequent dealing of the cards and this can include but is not restricted to dealing the same number of cards with each subsequent dealing round or this can be a variable number of cards and can include but is not restricted to increasing the number of cards with each dealing of which an example can include but is not restricted to dealing one card in the first subsequent round and dealing 2 then 3 then 4 cards in each of the subsequent rounds.

In another embodiment, the number of cards dealt can be determined by another method to include but not restricted to rolling a standard or specialized die/dice, spinning device with associated numbers and a pointing system, drawing numbers out of a repository, or drawing a card form a specialized deck used to determine the number of cards drawn.

Step F:

In the preferred embodiment, in each round of cards, the cards are dealt face up and with each round betting such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face up.

In another embodiment the dealing of cards and the betting can be dictated to include but not restricted to variations as dictated by the variable embodiment/s chosen other than the preferred embodiment.

In the preferred embodiment, once two pairs are showing face up then no more cards are dealt and a round of betting takes place similar to all card dealing rounds.

In another embodiment, the dealing of cards can be ended by other means that can include but are not restricted to running out of cards in the deck, an external or predetermined signal such as but not restricted to time/a timer or by using a technique to end the game such as but not restricted to rolling a standard or specialized die/dice, spinning device with associated numbers and a pointing system, drawing numbers out of a repository, or drawing a card form a specialized deck used to determine the number of cards drawn or drawing a card from the deck that ends the card dealing.

In another embodiment, cards are dealt until one player declares they have 2 pairs and this can include both cards face up and the face down card or cards and the player must have two pairs and cannot bluff or lie about having two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins.

In another embodiment, a player can bluff or lie about the fact they have two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins that declares they have two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins. In this embodiment the player can state they have two pairs or that they wave the winning pre-designated hand that wins even if they do not have two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins can have the following result to include but not restricted if the player does not have two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins and any other player stays in the game then the player declaring two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins who does not have two pairs or the winning pre-designated hand that wins can have the following results to include but not restricted to the declaring player loses and penalties can include but are not restricted to losing the game with no penalty, losing the game and having to match the pot, losing the game and having to match the pot only if another player has a pair or the winning pre-designated hand that wins. If all the other players fold or leave the game then the declaring player that declares they have a pair or the winning pre-designated hand that wins can cause but is not restricted to the declaring player winning all or a component of the pot and the game ends and any component of the pot that remains can include but not restricted to being carried over to the next game, given to the house, carried over to the next game as the ante for the declaring player.

In another set of embodiments:

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face up and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face up.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face up.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt in any combination of face down or face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face up.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face up and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face down.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face down.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt in any combination of face down or face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs showing face down.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face up and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs or a combination of\face up or face down cards.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two pairs of \face up or face down cards.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt in any combination of face down or face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has two winning card combination of \face up or face down cards.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face up and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination showing face up.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination showing face up.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt in any combination of face down or face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination showing face up.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face up and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination showing face down.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination showing face down.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt in any combination of face down or face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination showing face down.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face up and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination of \face up or face down cards.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination of \face up or face down cards.

Rounds of draw cards are dealt in any combination of face down or face down and rounds of betting occur such as in Step E, until one player has the winning card combination of \face up or face down cards.

Step G:

In the preferred embodiment in the next round each player gets to visualize his or her own personal down card. The personal down card is not revealed to the other players. A round of betting ensues after each player gets to visualize his or her personal down card.

In another embodiment based on any variation in the embodiments adopted the players can have one or more rounds of betting which can be determined by standard betting or non-standard betting and in an alternative embodiment can include but is not restricted to altered betting that can include equal or greater multiples of betting that can include but is not restricted to doubling/doubling down, or tripling or another multiple or having the final bet be unlimited or all-in.

In another embodiment there can be one or more private cards 30 which can be revealed in the preferred embodiment order or in an order other than the preferred embodiment and can include but is not restricted to being revealed all at one time or at independent or variable times to include but not restricted to the personal card being revealed as the last revealed card or earlier than the last revealed card.

Other embodiments can include but are not restricted to:

Each player reveals their own private cards 30 card or cards of their choosing or of another players choosing.

Each player does not reveal their own private card 30.

Each player reveals or does not reveal a combination of their own private card 30 or cards or of another players choosing.

Step H:

In the preferred embodiment, the community card 20 is turned up and revealed to all players.

In another embodiment based on any variation in the embodiments adopted the players can have one or more rounds of betting that is standard betting or non-standard betting and in an alternative embodiment can include but is not restricted to altered betting that can include equal or greater multiples of betting that can include but is not restricted to doubling, or tripling or a multiple or having the final bet be unlimited or all-in.

In another embodiment there can be one or more community cards 20 which can be revealed in the preferred embodiment order or in an order other than the preferred embodiment and can include but is not restricted to being revealed all at one time or at independent or variable times to include but not restricted to the community card 20 being revealed as the last revealed card or earlier than the last revealed card or different or the same community cards are revealed to different players.

In another embodiment, the community card 20 is revealed to each player at a different times. In one embodiment this can include but is not restricted to the community card 20 being revealed in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction from the player with the highest hand and in another embodiment player with the highest hand sees the card first followed by the player with the next highest hand and so on in that order and in another embodiment the player with the lowest hand sees the community card 20 first followed by the player with the next lowest hand and so on. Once all players have seen the community card 20 then the community card 20 is turned face-up for all to see. Betting can occur after each player sees the card.

Step I:

In the preferred embodiment a final round of betting can occur.

In another embodiment the final round of betting based on any variation in the embodiments adopted the players can have a final round of betting which can be determined by standard betting or non-standard betting the in an alternative embodiment can include but is not restricted to altered betting that can include no betting, equal or greater multiples of betting that can include but is not restricted to doubling, or tripling or having the final bet be unlimited or all-in.

In another embodiment betting can end earlier than in the preferred embodiment and this can include but is not restricted to being declared before the game begins or a betting round can be altered to include but not restricted to rolling a standard or specialized die/dice, spinning device with associated numbers and a pointing system, digital system, drawing numbers out of a depository, or drawing a card form a specialized deck used to determine the number of bets.

Step J:

In the preferred embodiment the winner is then decided based upon the highest of the two pairs.

In another embodiment an additional one or more rounds of cards can be dealt with an additional one or more cards being dealt in each of those rounds until the final round of card dealing and betting and the winner is declared.

In another embodiment a player can buy another card from the bank or port or from the players against active player/s, a player is still actively betting in the game and has not dropped out.

The Ante:

In the preferred embodiment an ante can include but is not restricted to a quantity or product or money, currency or property, digital and/or analog representations of these items to be bet. The ante is placed into the ‘pot’, the community betting pool prior to start the game and this can include but is not restricted to prior to or after the first card is dealt.

In another embodiment there can be no ante.

In another embodiment the House can take a portion or none of the ante.

Bluffing:

Bluffing is discussed above in other embodiments and bluffing can include but is not restricted to a player can declare they have a winning combination even without the winning combination. This player can bluff. The bluffing player will lose if another player has a predetermined winning combination, bluffer can win if all other players drop out, bluffer can lose if any player calls the bluff, or if there is a tie the non bluffer will win or if there are two bluffers then a bluffer could win, or if there is a tie the pot is split in some manner or if there is a bluff and no player has a winning combination then the highest combination wins, or if there is a bluff and no player has a winning combination then the lowest combination wins, or if there is a bluff and no player has a winning combination then a pre-determined combination wins.

In another embodiment if players left in the game are all bluffing and no player has a predetermined winning hand then the pot can be distributed in a manner to include but not restricted to divided amongst the bluffing players, divided amongst the non-bluffing players or any combination; can be given to the house, can be left in as part of the ante in the next game; can be won by the player with the highest card or pair hierarchy.

Involving the House or Casino in the Game House Embodiments

In the preferred embodiment, the house plays no cards but embodiments can include but are not restricted to the house taking a percentage of the ante.

In one version the house can create a mechanism to take a percentage of the pot and/or ante.

One alternative embodiment can include but is not restricted to one or more than one card is drawn for the House and one or more private card is placed face down during the game, preferably during the first round of general card down dealing (Step B) and in this preferred alternative embodiment one card is dealt to the House and is facedown. In this embodiment at the end of all active betting rounds and after all the cards have been dealt, the house reveals its private card. If the house private card matches the community card 20, then the House will collect a portion of the pot 100 to include some of, all of or none of the pot 100. If the House card does not match the community card 20 then the House can take a portion or takes no portion of the ante or pot 100.

In another embodiment, if the House card matches the community card 20 and the highest pair, then the House will collect a portion of the pot 100 to include all of or none of the pot 100. If the House card does no match the community card 20, then the House takes no portion of the pot 100.

In another embodiment, if the House card matches the private card 30 and the highest pair, then the House will collect a portion of the pot 100 to include all of or none of the pot 100. If the House card does no match the private card 30, then the House takes no portion of the pot 100.

Additional embodiment may involve the combination of matching house card with community card 20 and private cards 30.

In another embodiment of the House embodiment, the House can be obligated to place an ante equal to or less than or greater the any other active player/s. The House ante can be pre-determined or can be determined by alternative methods to include but not restricted to a random generating method, the throw of a die or dice, drawing a card, the spinning of a wheel, a computer/digital method and other standard or specially designed methods for stting the House ante.

Variations on this preferred House Embodiment involve alternative embodiments that can include the House being dealt one or more than one House card at any time during the game and one or more than one of the House cards being face up or face down. If the House placing an ante or taking all or none of the pot of the current or a subsequent game played.

One of the alternative embodiments can include but is not restricted to an embodiment in which one or more private card is drawn for the house and one or more than one private card is placed face down during the game, preferably during the first round of general card down dealing (Step B) and in this preferred alternative, house variation two cards are drawn for the house and one or less than one card is face up. In this preferred alternative embodiment, the house does not play the game as an active player but as a passive player. During the game the house can get one or more second cards. either face up or face down. In one preferred embodiment the house gets the second card as the last card to be dealt after all active players cards have been dealt and this card this card can be placed face up or facedown depending on how the first house card was placed. In the preferred alternative House embodiment, the first card will be placed face down and the second card will be placed face up. After the House has been dealt this round, in the preferred embodiment there can be one or more than one more round of betting. At the end of the game, after all players have bet and the winning player has been decided amongst the active player, the House turns over all of its cards and in the preferred alternative House variant the House will hold two cards with at least one card face down and if these cards when placed face up, form a pair and the House pair beats the active players highest pair then the House can take all of or any portion of the pot. If the House pair is tied with the active players pair then in this preferred alternative embodiment the House would split the pot with the winning active player. Other variations on the House card can include but are not restricted to the House being dealt two or more private cards, the house showing none or more than one of is private cards face up during the active betting rounds, the House to win must have the highest pair or a hand other than the highest hand that is pre-determined to be the winning hand which can include but is not restricted to a single pair such as a pair of Aces or if more than two private cards are dealt to the House to include but not restricted to 4 cards then the House must have the two highest pairs or if three cards are dealt to the House the house must have 3 matching denominations or any variation that is pre-determined to be required to win. In other variations the House if it has the winning hand can take all or more or less than all of the pot depending on the pre-determined rule.

In another embodiment of the House embodiment, the House can bet and the betting can be predetermined to include but not restricted to increasing the pot such as but not restricted to doubling the pot.

In another embodiment of the House embodiment the house can not bet

In another embodiment house or player betting can be enhanced or altered by secondary methods that can be used for determining the percentage that the house may remove form the pot or the ante or that the House may have to contribute to the pot and such methods can include but are not restricted to using dice (standard or non-standard dice), a roulette type wheel, a spinner with numbers or representations for numbers or percentages or prizes or products.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the house can take a percentage of the ante or the pot.

An alternative embodiment can have the house play the game as an active player.

In an alternative embodiment the house in order to obtain a portion of the pot is an active player and must obtain a predesignated combination of cards. In one embodiment this can include the House card matching the community card. In other embodiments the predesignated group of cards can be other combinations of cards other than a pair of cards.

In an alternative embodiment it can be determined during the game as to whether the House is a winner of a portion or all of the pot by means other than a predesignated combination of cards and this can include but is not restricted to having that combination determined randomly using a chance method for determining the combination that can include but is not restricted to a computer generated method, dice, a spinning wheel or an additional set of cards designating the combination required.

In an alternative embodiment, if the house card matches the community card then the house collects a predetermined percentage of the pot or can take a percentage based on an alternative mechanism to include but not restricted to a die or dice or a random digital computer generator, a spinning wheel with demarcations of the percentage to be won by the house.

Secondary methods can be used for determining the percentage that the house may have to contribute or take from the pot such as but not restricted to dice (standard or non-standard dice), a roulette type wheel, digital/computer, or arrow or wheel methods of generating and defining what the house receives or must pay out.

An alternative embodiment can include the ability for the House to increase of decrease the betting on the pot.

In an alternative embodiment, if the house has a winning pair or pre-determined winning hand or if the house has a losing hand then the a method can be implemented to designate what the House can receive or designate what the winning player can receive or what any player can receive or lose. This mechanism can be optional or mandatory.

In another embodiment the House may need to contribute or may have no obligation to contribute to the pot to participate in the option to win a proportion of the pot.

One embodiment can include a variation where an active player can play the game in a much less active manner. One embodiment can include but is not restricted to the player, Player E 6, being dealt one or more private cards 30. That player will not participate in the betting and will receive no additional cards during the betting rounds. In one embodiment that player can play and win in a manner similar to the House, if that player has the highest pair, Player E's card matches the community card 20 and is the highest card pair value. Multiple variations of this method can be played with Player E receiving one or more private cards 30, one or more public cards 40, placing an ante equal to or greater or less than the active players, being able to buy one or more public cards 40 for a fee. In one embodiment if the passive player has the highest pair then that player can take all or less than all of the pot as pre-determined or as determined by an alternative method to include but is not restricted to drawing a card, a random generating machine, a die of dice or other standard or specially designed methods for determining how the pot is split.

In another embodiment, players that are not actively playing in the game can bet on the house hand or a player or players hands or the collective player's hands. Betting can include but is not restricted to paying and collecting from the house for winnings and losses if bets are placed in this manner.

In an alternative embodiment, a player can buy one or more public cards 30 for a fee that can be pre-determined or set during the course of the game or by the House or by the leading player or by one or more other players.

Alternate embodiments can include but are not restricted to where passive players, Player E, can bet at some point of the game, where the passive player can look at their cards after or before all the cards have been dealt.

In an alternative embodiment, a player can buy another card if they draw a wild card permitting the purchase of said card.

Wild Cards and Cards that Alter the Game

In one embodiment, the cards can be in the deck that can alter the game and can include but are not restricted to a card that is a joker in which the recipient gets two cards rather than one card, a card that changes the winner of the game that can include but is not restricted to changing from the highest pair wins to the lowest pair wins, a card that creates multiple winners, taking one or over one card from another player or from the deck or giving one or over one card from another player or form the deck or changing other rules of the game or buying one or over one card.

In another embodiment, the wildcard can make the player holding the wildcard a winner or loser or a partial winner or loser of a portion of the pot or an additional contributor to the pot.

In another embodiment, the wildcard can alter how he game is won which can include but is not restricted to making the winner the player with the lowest hand, or stopping dealing when the card is drawn or making the wildcard equal to any card.

Digital/Internet of Multimedia:

The game described above can be played in forms that include but are not restricted to a digital format, an analogue format, a multimedia format that can include but is not restricted to the internet or television of radio or other RF or electromagnetic methods for transmitting and receiving and displaying information. In these formats it may be anticipated that the House which can include but is not restricted to the organization or individual promoting or creating or sponsoring the game.

In another embodiment the game which can include but is not restricted to being played as a board style or board game with payer pieces and representative currency and players can move forward dependent on winning the game or proproportiona to the currency bet of forward or backward moves based on winning and losing or any combination.

Cards can have an analog or digital form and can include but are not restricted to being on a screen or display that can be analog or digital.

The game can include but is not restricted to a form that is a casino-style or television or movie style presentation or computer or computer-like device.

The betting currency can include but is not restricted to standard currency, coinage and money, artificial game chips, markers, coinage and money, digital currency, coinage and money, and placement on a playing board to include but not restricted to a standard playing game board, a 3-D game board or a peg board.

The game can include but is not restricted to be packed in a box or bag or wrapper or other forms used to sell games or a digital form. The cards can be combined or replaced with other structures that can denote denominations that can include but are not restricted to sticks or tiles, which can be made from but are not restricted to wood or plastic or other organic or inorganic materials.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment instead these embodiment serve to exemplify the rules and variations of the rules of the game.

In one embodiment a player can purchase one or more than one cards at some interval during the game and in some embodiments this could be regulated by the players the other players in the game. In one embodiment a player could purchase a single card after the community card has been revealed and the price of that card would be some percentage of the pot and the other active players and playing in the game could decide whether that player can purchase a card. 

I claim:
 1. A method of playing a card game between two or more players, comprising the following steps: a. selecting at least one deck of cards containing a plurality of cards each with a fixed designated card ranking value, said deck includes at least two pairs of cards with the same card ranking value; b. dealing in a predetermined order the following; at least one community card with its card ranking value temporarily hidden to all players, a plurality of public cards with a card ranking value visible to all players, and at least one private card to each player with a card ranking value temporarily hidden to all players; c. each player reviewing all of said public cards to determine if there are sets of pairs of cards, if two sets of pairs of cards are not found, subsequent additional public cards are dealt to each player with their card ranking values visible to all players until one player has two sets of pairs of cards; d. revealing either the card ranking value of said community card to all players or revealing the card value of said private card only to the player who received the private card; e. each player then reviews said public cards, said community card, and said private card to select two pairs of cards having the highest card values; and, f. comparing said pairs of cards having the highest card value from step 3 and determining the player with the highest pair of cards having the highest card value.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein in Step d, the card ranking value of said community card to first revealed to all players before said private card dealt to each said player is revealed to each player.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein said deck is made up of 52 playing cards made up of four suits each containing cards with card rankings from low to high in the order of: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein in Step d, said private card dealt to each said player is revealed to each player before said community card is revealed to all said players.
 5. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein said deck is made up of 52 playing cards made up of four suits each containing cards with card rankings from low to high in the order of: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.
 6. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein in Step (d), said private card dealt to each said player is revealed to each player before said community card is revealed to all said players.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1, further after step (c), step (c′) of placing a wager by said player with the highest value of combined hand cards that are initially dealt after step b, non wagering players are given the option of folding, matching said wager or increasing said wager, players who elect to fold are deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the game;
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, further after step (c), step (c″) of placing a wager by said player with the highest value of combined revealed public cards after an additional public card is dealt to each player, non wagering players are given the option of folding, matching said wager or increasing said wager, players who elect to fold are deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the game.
 9. The method as recited in claim 1, further including the step (e′) following step (e) and before step (f) of placing a wager by said player, non-wagering players are given the option of folding, matching said wager or increasing said wager, players who elect to fold are deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the game;
 10. The method as recited in claim 4, further including the step (e′) following step (e) and before step (f) of placing a wager by said player, non-wagering players are given the option of folding, matching said wager or increasing said wager, players who elect to fold are deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the game;
 11. A method of playing a card game between two or more players, comprising the following steps: a. selecting a playing surface; b. selecting at least one deck of 52 playing cards made up of four suits each containing cards with card rankings from low to high in the order of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and ace; c. dealing in a predetermined order the following; at least one community card face up, dealing four public cards face down to each player, and dealing at least one private card face down to each player; d. each player reviewing said community card and said public cards and combining said community card and said public cards to find two pairs of cards having the highest ranking value; e. determining the player holding to pairs of cards and the pair of cards having the highest ranking value, when players have the same pair of cards with the highest ranking value a predetermined method for determining the player with the highest ranking pair of cards is then used; f. placing a wager by the player holding said highest ranking pair of cards as determined in Step (d), players not holding the highest ranking pair of cards as determined in Step (d) are given the option of folding, or matching said wager or increasing said wager, players who elect to fold are deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the game; h. each remaining player in the game reviewing said private card; i. each remaining player determining the highest two pairs of cards having the same ranking values from the set of cards comprising said community card, said public cards, and said private card; and, j. determining the winning player having either the highest ranking pair of cards from the set of two pairs of cards with the same ranking values, or when two players have highest ranking pair of cards have the same card value determining the winner player as the player with the matching highest ranking pair of cards with the second highest ranking pair of cards.
 12. A method of playing a card game between two or more players, comprising the following steps: a. selecting a playing surface; b. selecting at least one deck of 52 playing cards made up of four suits each containing cards with card rankings from low to high in the order of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and ace; c. dealing in a predetermined order the following; at least one community card face up, dealing four private cards face down to each player, and dealing at least one private card face down to each player; d. each player reviewing said public cards and said private card and combining said combines said public cards and said private card to find two pairs of cards having the highest ranking value; e. determining the player holding to pairs of cards and the pair of cards having the highest ranking value, when players have the same pair of cards with the highest ranking value a predetermined method for determining the player with the highest ranking pair of cards is then used; f. placing a wager by the player holding said highest ranking pair of cards as determined in Step (d), players not holding the highest ranking pair of cards as determined in Step (d) are given the option of folding, or matching said wager or increasing said wager, players who elect to fold are deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the game; h. each remaining player in the game reviewing said community card; i. each remaining player determining the highest two pairs of cards having the same ranking values from the set of cards comprising said community card, said public cards, and said private card; and, j. determining the winning player having either the highest ranking pair of cards from the set of two pairs of cards with the same ranking values, or when two players have highest ranking pair of cards have the same card value determining the winner player as the player with the matching highest ranking pair of cards with the second highest ranking pair of cards. 